Food Compositions of the Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis) in the Desert Region of Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The study on food compositions of the Indian fox (Vulpes bengalensis) was carried out in Balotra (Barmer) in hot desertic land. This threatened species listed with Schedule II of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1992. This opportunistic and omnivorous animal feeds upon small rodents, birds, eggs, snake, lizards and insects. It also feeds upon seed and seasonal fruits of Capparis decidua, Acacia tortilis, Acacia senegal, Aerva javanica, Prosopis cineraria, Prosopis juliflora, Salvadora persica, Ziziphus species, Cucumis melo, Citrullus lanatus, Cordia myxa, Punica granatum. Direct observation technique and scat analysis were used to recognize the diet compositions. In total, 202 scats were collected across the study sites during the year of 2015 to 2018. Scats are analyzed to categorize the prey species of the fox. Seasonal variations were found in fox’s diet. During winter season the fox mostly depended upon ber, aves and mammals while in summer it mostly likes Prosopis juliflora, Acacia tortilis, Prosopis cineraria, hair and bones of animals. During monsoon season it feeds on Ziziphus and small mammals.